Built in 1930 to mark the tercentennial of Massachusetts, Pioneer Village is America's first living history museum. The village sits on three acres of land and contains various examples of colonial architecture: dugouts, wigwams, thatched roof cottages, and the Governor's Faire House. Culinary and medicinal gardens and a blacksmith shop further interpret early 17th-century colonial life.

Pioneer Village is nestled between the woods and the ocean, a ten minute drive from downtown, in Salem's Forest River Park.

Directions from the Old Town Hall:

From downtown Salem, follow Route 1A/114/Lafayette Street toward Marblehead. Take a left onto West Avenue and follow the road straight into Forest River Park. Pioneer Village is on the left-hand side as you are facing the ocean. Less than 10 minutes from downtown Salem.

For GPS and online directions, use Forest River Park.

Parking is free for visitors to Pioneer Village.

Public Transportation:

MBTA access -- bus routes 455 and 459 from Salem Depot (downtown Salem) to Clifton Ave (see MBTA map). Cross Lafayette St, then follow Clifton Ave towards Forest River Park. Pioneer Village is on the left-hand side as you are facing the ocean.